Activists protested President Trump's visit at the Share Insight Conference in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. With the president delivering the keynote speech at the leading conference on American shale energy, the activists gathered to protest ... white nationalism!
(Via the Daily Mail)
Activists from the group Bend the Arc: Pittsburgh began arriving at Gateway T Station a 8.30am on Wednesday carrying signs and railing against what they called the president's message of hate.
'You can't comb over racism,' one hand-written sign read, seemingly poking fun at the president's hairstyle.
'Mister Rogers' neighborhood is no place for hate,' another declared, referring to the iconic children's show set in Pittsburgh.
The demonstrators were confronted by a large number of police officers in riot gear, who ordered them to disperse or face arrest.
When the activists failed to clear the street minutes later, police began taking them into custody one by one.
At least 14 people were arrested. Protestors also disrupted Trump's speech by chanting "Trump endangers Jews."
At one point, the president stopped his speech to address the protestors. "They don't know who they're dealing with. They just don't understand. Alright, go home to mom! Explain to mom that you tried to take on powerful people, and many of them physically as well as mentally. That's not a good thing to do. Not in this room." He then told the crowd, "Make sure you don't hurt them. Please!"
"Go back to mom" - A protester tried to interrupt President Donald Trump during an event in Pittsburgh today. pic.twitter.com/mww77i9hEp
— FOX61 (@FOX61News) October 23, 2019
Four demonstrations were held in response to Trump's appearance, according to the Daily Mail.
The first of the demonstrations, organized by Bend the Arc and held at the Gateway Station, was called called the 'Solidarity Defeats White Nationalism' rally.
'We’re here to tell Trump: #OurSolidarityWill protect each other and defeat your white nationalism,' a post on Ben he Arc's Facebook page read.
At noon, activists with the environmental group Defend the Water are planning a 'Day of Action' rally at Point State Park.
The Women’s March on Washington has organized the 'March for Truth: Impeach and Remove,' which will get under way at 3.30pm near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center where Trump will be speaking.
In the evening, a peaceful anti-fracking protest will take place outside the conference venue.
In his speech, the president talked about his administration's energy policies, the construction of the border wall, and having to deal with "witch hunts" every week of his presidency.
I’m in downtown Pittsburgh where protesters have gathered ahead of Trump’s visit this afternoon. It’s one of several protests scheduled for today — this one against white nationalist rhetoric. @905wesa pic.twitter.com/9fxugulbpJ
— Lucy Perkins (@lucyeperk) October 23, 2019
Spotted this in pic at Pittsburgh protests today...the truth the climate crew tries to hide! “Save the Planet - Destroy Capitalism!” @PolitiBunny @KurtSchlichter pic.twitter.com/wrPrlYY33s
— DW Berkley (@DWBerkley) October 23, 2019
Some of the signs at #PresidentTrump protest in downtown #Pittsburgh. “You can’t combover racism.” & “Mister Rogers Neighborhood is no place for hate. Pittsburgh Loves all our neighbors.” @WPXI pic.twitter.com/CaIL2WWUMz
— Mike Holden (@WPXIMikeHolden) October 23, 2019
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